X MINUS ONE
X Minus One aired on NBC from 24 April 55 until 9 January 58 for a total of 124 episodes with one pilot or audition story. There was a revival of the series in 1973 when radio was attempting to bring back radio drama and it lasted until 1975. The show occupied numerous time slots through out its run in the 50's and thus was never able to generate a large following. X Minus One was an extension of Dimension X which aired on NBC from 1950-51. The first fifteen scripts used for X Minus One were scripts used in the airing of Dimension X; however, it soon found its own little niche. The stories for the show came from two of the most popular science fiction magazines at the time; Astounding and Galaxy. Adaptations of these stories were performed by Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts. They even wrote a few original stories of their own. The writers of the magazine stories were not well known then but now are the giants of today. These stories came from the minds of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and Poul Anderson to name a few. This series has survived from its original airing in high quality to be enjoyed today.NOTE: Updated with Version 3 files (14-May-2011).
From the Old Time Radio Researcher's Group. See "Note" Section below for more information on the OTRR.
Notes
OLD TIME RADIO RESEARCHERS GROUP
This is a production of the Old Time Radio Researchers Group located at Old Time Radio Researchers Website and the Old Time Radio Researchers Group.
It contains the most complete and accurate version of this series in the best sound possible at the time of creation. An updated version will be issued if more episodes or better sounding ones become available.
If you are interested in preserving old time radio, you may wish to join the Old Time Radio Researchers Group at Yahoo.
This is the Single Episode Page. The Certified Set includes extras not found here. It is located at OTRR Certified Set. This page is provided in case you want to sample the shows.
Note that in many cases, file names have been modified from the original OTRR names to conform to archive.org naming requirements.
Relax, listen, and enjoy!
OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Certified Accurate -- A series that is Certified Accurate indicates that all the episodes are properly identified and labeled but that the series does not contain all known extant episodes.
OTRR Certified Complete -- A series that is Certified Complete is the highest level of certification available under the OTRR Certified Standards. This certification level implies that all the files in the series are Certified Accurate but also indicates that the series is as complete as possible – it includes all extant episodes.
OTRR Non-Certified -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Certification process.
Reviews
Reviewer:
The True Brain Pimp
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 13, 2020
Subject: Top 10 Hall of Fame Show
Subject: Top 10 Hall of Fame Show
This is the Gold Standard of Sci-fi. You want to hear the place where all the tropes started? This is it. X-1 is on the list with: The Whistler, Suspense, Gunsmoke, Escape, Lux, Jack Benny as the First Order of their genre. If you want to get ANYONE interested in OTR, start here. In these days of quaranteen, the End of The World epic , "Nightfall" would make good family listening
Reviewer:
Thrgfr
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 7, 2020
Subject: Radio Days
Subject: Radio Days
These are great!! I made CD's for the car.
Reviewer:
newdickmorris
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April 29, 2019
Subject: .
Subject: .
My favorite episode is Lulungomeena. I also really like The Cave of Night, Tunnel Under the World, and Hostess.
Reviewer:
BixLives
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December 3, 2018
Subject: Why?
Subject: Why?
Obviously something is up with most X minus one files. Weird, but No Contact plays.
I have them all -even the experiment revival from 1971 and in the best audio, but I am always looking for a better source. have not found one in a few years, so 'spect I have the best examples there are, but...you never know.
I love them all except the ones written by Ray Bradbury, I can't see anyone older than 4 years listening to his Radio plays. Bradbury is an over-rated, unoriginal old FRAUD.
I have them all -even the experiment revival from 1971 and in the best audio, but I am always looking for a better source. have not found one in a few years, so 'spect I have the best examples there are, but...you never know.
I love them all except the ones written by Ray Bradbury, I can't see anyone older than 4 years listening to his Radio plays. Bradbury is an over-rated, unoriginal old FRAUD.
Reviewer:
Marxxx77
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 29, 2018
Subject: What's wrong with X Minus One?
Subject: What's wrong with X Minus One?
Most of the episodes of this show will not play???
I keep getting an error message " Error loading media: File could not be played???
So, consequently I haven't heard well over 2/3'ds of theses episodes.
Can anything be done?
Steve Monroe
I keep getting an error message " Error loading media: File could not be played???
So, consequently I haven't heard well over 2/3'ds of theses episodes.
Can anything be done?
Steve Monroe
Reviewer:
Decoy Commander
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 2, 2018
Subject: Listening Problems
Subject: Listening Problems
Try using the Firefox web browser. It worked for me.
Reviewer:
Carly Corday
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 4, 2018
Subject: What's the problem? I can hear every story with a click and a happy sigh.
Subject: What's the problem? I can hear every story with a click and a happy sigh.
It's the Evil Upgrades in our STUFF that took you listeners' stories away from you. The dehumanizing, endless, enslaving "improvements" and "progress" that really only cost us money and gorge the landfills, serving no real purpose to Mankind at all, and a distinct, documentable DISSERVICE.
I listen on one of 2 Vista PCs I have in my home, bought from eBay for peanuts when my Vista laptop wore out. The speakers I use on one are VERY old, of a quality that can't be had anymore in a PC, that still sound spectacular, but were cheap and ordinary back when I first acquired them.
If the thrill of addiction to your never-put-down, handheld, tiny-screen computer that can also be used as a telephone is worth it, just go away and forget enjoying these stories ever again. Unfortunately for me, the opposite will no-doubt happen: This site will undergo an earthquake of "upgrading" to meet YOUR devices' demands, leaving me with no option but to give up these stories or become one of YOU people, connected by nerves and blood-vessels to a handheld toy.
As things are now, I can download these episodes as MP3s and save them on CDs to play in my car or my bedside stereo, or wherever I wish. Or I can listen directly from the site, right here, one after another automatically, without having to download a thing. I live in real dread of the day it all goes away, and hope I won't even be around anymore when it happens.
(Off that topic, I have a complaint about the stories, just a silly one: This series has not one, but TWO, deafening intros to endure before each story begins. What were they thinking back in those days, making all these radio dramas, the GOOD ones, start with screeching, horrible noise? Think of all the tired, working GROWNUPS back then yelling, "Turn that #$%$#@!! off!!" to their kids every time a good program started on the radio, because of the shrieking, astonishing, pointless decibels of noise. Think of the younger people having to sit close to the radio with hand on volume knob to keep it low until the screeching racket ceased, so they wouldn't get the angry yell from daddy or mama. What in the world was the point of it??)
I listen on one of 2 Vista PCs I have in my home, bought from eBay for peanuts when my Vista laptop wore out. The speakers I use on one are VERY old, of a quality that can't be had anymore in a PC, that still sound spectacular, but were cheap and ordinary back when I first acquired them.
If the thrill of addiction to your never-put-down, handheld, tiny-screen computer that can also be used as a telephone is worth it, just go away and forget enjoying these stories ever again. Unfortunately for me, the opposite will no-doubt happen: This site will undergo an earthquake of "upgrading" to meet YOUR devices' demands, leaving me with no option but to give up these stories or become one of YOU people, connected by nerves and blood-vessels to a handheld toy.
As things are now, I can download these episodes as MP3s and save them on CDs to play in my car or my bedside stereo, or wherever I wish. Or I can listen directly from the site, right here, one after another automatically, without having to download a thing. I live in real dread of the day it all goes away, and hope I won't even be around anymore when it happens.
(Off that topic, I have a complaint about the stories, just a silly one: This series has not one, but TWO, deafening intros to endure before each story begins. What were they thinking back in those days, making all these radio dramas, the GOOD ones, start with screeching, horrible noise? Think of all the tired, working GROWNUPS back then yelling, "Turn that #$%$#@!! off!!" to their kids every time a good program started on the radio, because of the shrieking, astonishing, pointless decibels of noise. Think of the younger people having to sit close to the radio with hand on volume knob to keep it low until the screeching racket ceased, so they wouldn't get the angry yell from daddy or mama. What in the world was the point of it??)
Reviewer:
PhoenixDarque
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August 23, 2018
Subject: Site not working
Subject: Site not working
I haven't been able to hear these broadcasts in a long time now. I miss hearing my favorites.
Reviewer:
SaraBellePalsy
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July 5, 2018
Subject: Site No longer working
Subject: Site No longer working
Please alter files. Over 80% of us visiting site can't enjoy these files anymore. They were okay last year - What changed on this site? Please make it playable again! PLEASE! I really want to listen to these.
Reviewer:
Harry Wilson
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May 13, 2018
Subject: Malfunctioning Chrome Androids
Subject: Malfunctioning Chrome Androids
Everything that raygberg said, but you can also click the word 'MP3' under the download options to expand a list of only the mp3 files.
If you're married to Chrome and still want to listen to them in your browser, you can click 'OGG VORBIS' under download options, click the file name on the now-expanded list, and it should play in your browser. If you're listening to a lot of shows in sequence, be sure to note the episode number, because when you click your back button to return to the Archive page you'll be starting from scratch.
If you're married to Chrome and still want to listen to them in your browser, you can click 'OGG VORBIS' under download options, click the file name on the now-expanded list, and it should play in your browser. If you're listening to a lot of shows in sequence, be sure to note the episode number, because when you click your back button to return to the Archive page you'll be starting from scratch.
Reviewer:
raygberg
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 13, 2018
Subject: X MInus One Won't Play in Chrome
Subject: X MInus One Won't Play in Chrome
I've found that if the episode won't play in Chrome, you can download the files from Archive.org and they'll play in Windows Media. On this page, scroll down to the "Download Options" box, and click on "Show All". You'll get a list of mp3s for each episode. Find your episode's .mp3 file, right click on it and choose "Save link as...".
Reviewer:
scifimike451
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May 7, 2018
Subject: Files not playing.
Subject: Files not playing.
Clicking on any of the files gives the error message 'Error loading media: File could not be played'. Strangely though, episode 3 and a few other files play without a problem. Seems to only be affecting Google Chrome browser. Files play as normal in Firefox and Safari. Can anyone associated with this collection find a solution? Thanks.
Reviewer:
Ti74Raven
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favoritefavoritefavorite -
April 25, 2018
Subject: No longer plays back on Android it seems
Subject: No longer plays back on Android it seems
Used to play fine. Will no longer play to Android it seems.
Reviewer:
Franco1999
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 3, 2018
Subject: Play back problems
Subject: Play back problems
Why won't most play back in android?
Reviewer:
8L337EE8
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 3, 2018
Subject: Secret Space Program
Subject: Secret Space Program
Spending the past several months in NASA Technical and Training servers reading abstracts around advanced propulsion has me beginning to question if in some ways parts of this might be truer than the books jaundra might imply.
Could there actually be... might we in reality have a Black or Dark Fleet..?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1g7DlsthMsDbpgLWG3pM2VDvD7vepK31L
It's all quite suggestive, perhaps some say the original authors may have been individuals possessing "psychic" competencies as their understanding of resonant frequency emergent field structure capacities of one's cognizant consciousness.
Think I'll listen to all of X Minus One this rainy Saturday... and Dimension X will follow whilst continuing my research, perhaps acquiring some inspiration from more of this so brilliantly articulated and sentiently authored work. Additionally, allow me to note the sound effects are quite immersive lending themselves well to the storyline... Remembering before, how humanity perceived with their minds and there were no screens flashing imagery that so incessantly programed societal behavior visually and concepts were so well conveyed over an auditory spectrum we merely detect but a fraction of with our ears, yet is still only another form of electromagnetic wave propagation.
Could there actually be... might we in reality have a Black or Dark Fleet..?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1g7DlsthMsDbpgLWG3pM2VDvD7vepK31L
It's all quite suggestive, perhaps some say the original authors may have been individuals possessing "psychic" competencies as their understanding of resonant frequency emergent field structure capacities of one's cognizant consciousness.
Think I'll listen to all of X Minus One this rainy Saturday... and Dimension X will follow whilst continuing my research, perhaps acquiring some inspiration from more of this so brilliantly articulated and sentiently authored work. Additionally, allow me to note the sound effects are quite immersive lending themselves well to the storyline... Remembering before, how humanity perceived with their minds and there were no screens flashing imagery that so incessantly programed societal behavior visually and concepts were so well conveyed over an auditory spectrum we merely detect but a fraction of with our ears, yet is still only another form of electromagnetic wave propagation.
Reviewer:
SPACEPATROL47
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 10, 2016
Subject: NIGHT CALL,COLLECT
Subject: NIGHT CALL,COLLECT
TO ROBBO4473,YOU CAN FIND THIS RADIO SHOW ON YOUTUBE UNDER BRADBURY 13 NIGHT CALL, COLLECT.THIS SERIES OF RADIO PROGRAMS WAS WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME. STILL HOLDS UP WELL TODAY
Reviewer:
chy03001
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 23, 2015
Subject: Amazing Series
Subject: Amazing Series
As a fan of science fiction it's amazing how many of these stories later inspired episodes of Star Trek, Twilight Zone and others.
Some stories are unique and could only have been done justice through the power of radio. In particular: Hallucination Orbit.
Some stories are unique and could only have been done justice through the power of radio. In particular: Hallucination Orbit.
Reviewer:
Reed Mee
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 20, 2015
Subject: Fantastic!
Subject: Fantastic!
I really love the sci fi radio stuff! Thanks so much for this!
Reviewer:
Keesha16
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 20, 2015
Subject: Great Series! Wish there were more episodes.
Subject: Great Series! Wish there were more episodes.
Robbo4473: that story is a Ray Bradbury story called "Night Call Collect". You can find it here on the Bradbury 13 site by Brigham Young University
http://www.radioechoes.com/bradbury-thirteen#.VdUjeIZHarU
Internet Archive, love the new look of your site! I find it a lot easier to use in this new format!
http://www.radioechoes.com/bradbury-thirteen#.VdUjeIZHarU
Internet Archive, love the new look of your site! I find it a lot easier to use in this new format!
Reviewer:
Robbo4473
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 11, 2015
Subject: Great Stuff!
Subject: Great Stuff!
X Minus One was my first introduction to OTR and will always be one of my favorites.
Does anyone know if "Death Calls Collect" is on the Archive anywhere? It's the one where this 80 year old guy who's completely alone on the planet gets a call from himself when he was young. Turns out when he was young, for fun and alleviate the boredom of being alone, creates a program that on his 80 birthday will call himself to talk (like Siri!) - but it kind of drives him nuts to be taunted by his younger self. Probably my favorite X.
Does anyone know if "Death Calls Collect" is on the Archive anywhere? It's the one where this 80 year old guy who's completely alone on the planet gets a call from himself when he was young. Turns out when he was young, for fun and alleviate the boredom of being alone, creates a program that on his 80 birthday will call himself to talk (like Siri!) - but it kind of drives him nuts to be taunted by his younger self. Probably my favorite X.
Reviewer:
networksam
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 31, 2015
Subject: Great SciFi shows here.
Subject: Great SciFi shows here.
The only bad thing about this show is when you realize you have listened to all of the episodes. Then I go back to Dimension X to see if I can tell the differences in productions.
Reviewer:
allnewsanchor
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favoritefavoritefavorite -
March 31, 2015
Subject: Good early, weak late
Subject: Good early, weak late
As a major fan of classic sci-fi, I feel compelled to mention the falloff in what began as a terrific show. "Dimension X," its predecessor, was virtually flawless and deserves the full 5 stars. Almost every script and performance--great.
"X Minus One" started out that way. But then it began adapting scripts from stories of lesser authors...many of which descended into silliness. I have to believe there were better short stories and novellas to choose from, but the Golden Age was on the wane and NBC probably didn't want to pony up for the good stuff.
"X Minus One" started out that way. But then it began adapting scripts from stories of lesser authors...many of which descended into silliness. I have to believe there were better short stories and novellas to choose from, but the Golden Age was on the wane and NBC probably didn't want to pony up for the good stuff.
Reviewer:
Major Mike
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 29, 2015
Subject: X-1/No Contact
Subject: X-1/No Contact
Really enjoyed this first X-1 show. Thanks for making it available on line. Looking forward to listening to many of the great shows.
Reviewer:
Media Lover
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 21, 2015
Subject: Only Second To Reading A Sci-Fi Book!
Subject: Only Second To Reading A Sci-Fi Book!
These X Minus One series are just gems that need to be treasured for future generations. In this era of CGI and other computer manipulated images, the simple telling of science fiction tales through just the audio mode is still thrilling and effective. The imaginative juices are just kicked to jumpstart and go places where no joysticks on the video control panels have gone before.
Like I said in the title, the only things that beat these radio shows, in terms of thrilling imaginations, are the science fiction books that I had read over the years.
Like I said in the title, the only things that beat these radio shows, in terms of thrilling imaginations, are the science fiction books that I had read over the years.
Reviewer:
sugarpromises
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 21, 2015
Subject: Fantastic Old Radio Shows
Subject: Fantastic Old Radio Shows
Science Fiction has the best old time radio shows. This list is fantastic. With authors like Bradbury, Dick, Heinlein, and Asimov, how can you go wrong?
Here is an extensive list of the shows with authors for you to reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_X_Minus_One_episodes
Here is an extensive list of the shows with authors for you to reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_X_Minus_One_episodes
Reviewer:
mrmarketcap
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 14, 2014
Subject: X-Minus One The Outer Limit
Subject: X-Minus One The Outer Limit
This is probably the best in the series. The last line makes the entire show awesome. Sends chills down my spine.
Reviewer:
Out of Stone
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favoritefavoritefavorite -
July 25, 2013
Subject: Countdown to hit n miss
Subject: Countdown to hit n miss
Best episodes are set aboard spaceships or on weird Zog-like planets - these are the thoughtful, intelligent and absorbing episodes. Unfortunately, there are far too many jokey, throwaway episodes (mostly from '57) resulting in tedium, which can be counteracted only by a deadly earnest inter-galactic spaceflight in Exploring Tomorrow.
Reviewer:
TomBaker
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 28, 2012
Subject: Best radio show in existence.
Subject: Best radio show in existence.
Just downloaded the entire works, this is a great place to offer free downloads like this, I'm a young guy, but I can sure appreciate the classics. If only I'd been born a few decades earlier.
Reviewer:
NadaClue
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 21, 2011
Subject: X Minus One
Subject: X Minus One
I was 5 years old when this radio show went off the air. It was truely brilliant and the precursor to TV shows like "The Twlight Zone", "The Outer Limits", and “Star Trek”. I thank you for re-opening the best 3-D experience possible. The theater of the mind!
Reviewer:
madasaboxoffrogs
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 30, 2010
Subject: X Minus One
Subject: X Minus One
Episode 38 Skulking Permit is worth the 5 stars just on its own – if you just listen to one episode make it that one. I could see the ending coming a mile off and it didn't arrive instead it proved to be even more subversive than I thought it was going to be well done Robert Sheckley – won't give the ending away here.
Episode 36 Cave of Night was the first one I listened to as I had already heard all of Dimension X. This was whilst walking home through town and Earth signeled the space ship I started to cry – got even more funny looks than usual.
So far I'm only up to episode 50, I hope there is at least another episode as good as #38
Episode 36 Cave of Night was the first one I listened to as I had already heard all of Dimension X. This was whilst walking home through town and Earth signeled the space ship I started to cry – got even more funny looks than usual.
So far I'm only up to episode 50, I hope there is at least another episode as good as #38
